Choosing the right size of large wall light
Choose a large wall light by its overall height, width and projection, measured against the wall it will sit on. A fitting can be generous in one and modest in the others. The Pooky Rodtastic stands 71cm tall yet projects just 7cm from the wall, while the Soho Large has a 22cm glass shade and sits around 30cm out. The Cambridge and Dublin picture lights come in 50.5cm and 60.5cm widths to span wider artwork.
A high ceiling, a wide chimney breast or a long run of panelling can carry a bigger fitting comfortably. Our practical tip is to cut a paper template to the full size, including the shade, and tape it up for a day. You will soon know whether it feels generous or simply too big. Remember that a bigger shade changes the look, not necessarily the brightness, which depends on the bulb.
If you need the light to reach further, the Rio extends up to 96cm and the Pooky Stork up to 82cm. Our adjustable wall lights offer more designs with movable arms.
Statement wall lights for living rooms, hallways and
stairs
In a living room, a pair of large wall lights either side of a fireplace or a wide sofa frames the space beautifully. Check the shade width against nearby shelving and the mantel before you settle on a height. A long picture light is another way to bring scale to a wall: centre it over the frame and choose a width that covers most of the painting. For more ideas, explore our living room wall lights or browse our picture wall lights.
Hallways and stairwells often have the height for a bigger fitting but not the width. Look for tall, slim designs rather than wide shades on long arms, and check the projection where people pass or carry things up the stairs. The Pooky Rodtastic is a good example, and its IP44 rating means it also suits bathrooms. Our hallway wall lights and stairwell wall lights include more options for these spaces.
Large outdoor wall lights for front doors and entrances
Outdoor lights are seen from further away, so a fitting that looks substantial on screen can seem modest beside a front door. Our large outdoor designs run from the 40cm Belgrave Tall lantern to the 65cm Chelsea and the 72cm Contemporary Cylindrical Dome. The Kew Extra Large, crafted in Belgium from solid brass with a bronze finish, has a 37cm shade.
Check the IP rating for the position you have in mind. Our large outdoor fittings range from IP43 to IP65, and an exposed wall needs more protection than a sheltered porch, so ask your electrician to confirm. Check the finish too: on the Darya, some finishes are for indoor use only. For a more traditional look, browse our outdoor lantern wall lights, or see the full range of outdoor wall lights.
Questions about large wall lights
How high should large wall lights be mounted?
Mount large wall lights with the centre of the fitting around 152 to 170cm from the floor, as our guide to choosing wall lights recommends. With a tall fitting, also check the gap to the ceiling and whether it lights upwards or downwards. Position a picture light relative to the frame instead.
How far apart should large wall lights be?
In a hallway with a standard 8-foot ceiling, space wall lights about 180 to 200cm apart, following the same guide.
Either side of a fireplace, mirror or sofa, centre a pair on the feature rather than measuring a fixed distance. Larger shades need more room between them to avoid feeling crowded.
How big should an outdoor light be beside a front door?
An outdoor wall light beside a front door usually looks right at roughly a quarter to a third of the door's height. For a typical 200cm door, that means a light around 50 to 65cm tall. Go larger for a wide or double door, or where the light is mainly seen from the road.
Will a large wall light stick out too far in a hallway?
A large wall light can project too far for a narrow hallway, so check the projection before ordering. The Soho Large sits about 30cm from the wall, the adjustable Rio reaches up to 96cm, and the Pooky Rodtastic projects just 7cm. Where people pass closely, choose height over depth.
Are large wall lights suitable for bathrooms?
Only large wall lights with a suitable IP rating should go in a bathroom. The bathroom versions of the Soho Large and Bodium Large are rated IP44, and the Maris and Severn are rated IP65. The rating you need depends on the bathroom zone, so have your electrician confirm the position. Browse our bathroom wall lights.
Need help judging the scale? Send us a photograph of your wall with rough measurements, or call our team on 01580 712805, and we will help you narrow down the options.
